Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area

Introduction / Overview

Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area (SWA) in Evergreen, CO, is a designated public land managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) primarily for wildlife management, hunting, and fishing activities. Unlike state parks, State Wildlife Areas operate under specific regulations designed to protect wildlife habitats and facilitate regulated recreational uses. For Colorado locals looking to engage with the natural environment in specific ways, particularly hunting or fishing, understanding the unique access requirements and permitted activities at SWAs like Mt. Evans is crucial. It’s a place where dedicated outdoor enthusiasts can find prime opportunities, provided they come prepared with the correct licenses and knowledge of the area’s specific rules.

While some public lands offer broad recreational access, SWAs have a more focused purpose. This means that activities like casual picnicking, uncontrolled dog exercise, or general sightseeing without a primary wildlife-related purpose are often not permitted or require specific authorization. The reviews provided highlight a common misunderstanding among visitors who may assume a general state parks pass grants access. It is important to emphasize that Mt. Evans SWA is distinct from a State Park, and different rules apply. Its primary function is to serve as a managed habitat for wildlife and a regulated area for licensed hunting and fishing activities, making it a specialized destination for certain outdoor pursuits.

Location and Accessibility

Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area is located at 8310 Co Rd 480, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA. This location places it within Clear Creek County, west of Denver, making it a relatively accessible area for residents across the Front Range, including Denver, Evergreen, and surrounding communities. The drive offers scenic views as you approach the mountainous terrain, setting the stage for an outdoor experience.

However, accessibility to Mt. Evans SWA comes with very specific requirements that are critical for all visitors to understand. As a State Wildlife Area, access for anyone aged 16 or older typically requires a valid Colorado hunting license, a valid Colorado fishing license, or a Colorado State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass. A general Colorado State Parks Pass, which might be on your vehicle registration, is NOT valid for entry into SWAs. This distinction is paramount, as failure to possess the correct license or pass can result in significant fines, as noted in the provided reviews. These licenses or passes can be purchased online through the CPW website, by phone, or at authorized sales locations. Visitors are strongly advised to check current hunting, fishing, and land use regulations with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) before planning a visit, as rules can vary and specific seasonal restrictions may apply, particularly after Labor Day through rifle seasons when access is primarily limited to hunting and fishing activities.

Services Offered

• Regulated Hunting Opportunities: Mt. Evans SWA is a designated area for various hunting seasons. It is known to support populations of deer and elk, making it a location for licensed big game hunting. Specific seasons and regulations apply, and hunters must have a valid hunting license.
• Fishing Access: The SWA offers opportunities for licensed anglers to fish in its streams and wetlands, with wild brook trout commonly found in Bear Creek and surrounding waters. A valid Colorado fishing license is required.
• Designated Camping (Limited): Camping is permitted in designated areas. However, it is highly restricted, typically limited to 5 days in any 45-day period outside of big game seasons. During big game seasons, specific camping rules may apply. Primitive campsites with access to vault toilets may be available in certain sections, such as Camp Rock Campground on the western border.
• Restroom Facilities: Basic restroom facilities, such as vault toilets, are available in some designated public use sites within the SWA, including potential parking and picnic areas.
• Picnic Areas: Some areas within the SWA may offer picnic tables, particularly near parking areas. However, these are generally intended for use by those who meet the SWA access requirements (valid license/pass) and are engaging in permitted activities.
• Wildlife Viewing (with restrictions): As a State Wildlife Area, it is a habitat for various wildlife, including Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, and birds. While wildlife viewing is implicitly possible, direct access for this purpose alone still requires the necessary license/pass, and activities like hiking may be restricted seasonally.
• Land Management: The area is actively managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the benefit of wildlife and for regulated recreational use by sportspersons.
• Information Resources: CPW provides online resources, including maps and regulations, to inform visitors about permitted activities, seasonal closures, and access requirements for all State Wildlife Areas.

Features / Highlights

• Dedicated Wildlife Habitat: A core highlight of Mt. Evans SWA is its primary function as a crucial habitat for various wildlife, including large mammals like elk and deer, and diverse bird species. This commitment to wildlife conservation is central to its purpose.
• Exclusive Access for Sportspersons: Unlike general recreation areas, the requirement of a hunting or fishing license (or SWA pass) means the area is primarily utilized by a dedicated community of sportspersons. This can lead to a more focused and less crowded experience for those engaged in these specific activities.
• Opportunity for Regulated Hunting and Fishing: For licensed hunters and anglers, Mt. Evans SWA provides significant opportunities to pursue their passions in a managed environment. The area is known for coldwater stream fishing and offers big game hunting potential.
• Scenic Mountain Foothills Environment: The location within the Front Range foothills provides a beautiful, natural setting. While reviews indicate views might not be "good" from specific "trails," the overall area is part of the stunning Mt. Evans region, offering rugged landscapes.
• Managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Being a CPW-managed area ensures that regulations are enforced for the sustainability of wildlife and public safety. The presence of "park rangers" who "monitor" the area highlights this oversight.
• Importance of Compliance: The experiences shared by previous visitors (receiving tickets for not having the correct license) serve as a critical highlight, underscoring the strict adherence required to SWA access rules. This acts as an important informational feature for future visitors.
• Primitive Camping Potential: While restricted, the availability of limited, primitive camping allows for an immersive outdoor experience for those with the appropriate permits and licenses, adding a specialized feature for dedicated campers.
• Proximity to Mt. Evans Wilderness: The SWA borders the Mount Evans Wilderness Area, providing a transition zone to even more extensive backcountry opportunities, though these fall under different regulations.

Contact Information

Address: 8310 Co Rd 480, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA

Phone: (303) 291-7227

Mobile Phone: +1 303-291-7227

For the most current and critical information regarding access requirements, specific regulations, hunting and fishing seasons, and any seasonal closures at Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area, it is absolutely essential to contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) directly using the provided phone numbers or by visiting their official website. Reviewing the SWA Finder on the CPW website is highly recommended before any visit to ensure full compliance and avoid potential fines.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area is a unique and highly specific destination that, while not suitable for general recreational outings without proper preparation, is exceptionally valuable for a particular segment of Colorado locals: licensed hunters, anglers, and those who understand and respect the distinct purpose of State Wildlife Areas. For these individuals, Mt. Evans SWA offers prime opportunities for regulated hunting and fishing activities right in their backyard, a significant advantage compared to traveling to more distant locations.

The suitability for locals lies in its specialized focus. If you are a Colorado resident who holds a valid hunting or fishing license, or are willing to purchase an SWA pass, this area provides direct access to managed wildlife populations and fishing streams. Unlike more crowded state parks, the access requirements help manage visitor numbers, potentially leading to a more serene and productive experience for those engaged in the permitted activities. Its location near Evergreen also means that a dedicated day of hunting or fishing can be undertaken without an overnight trip, though limited camping is available for those with the correct permits and understanding of the rules.

It is crucial for locals to understand that Mt. Evans SWA is not a typical hiking or picnicking spot where a general state park pass applies. The explicit negative reviews serve as a stark but important lesson: preparedness and adherence to CPW regulations are non-negotiable. For those who embrace these conditions, however, Mt. Evans SWA offers a valuable and managed outdoor resource, allowing Coloradans to participate in traditional outdoor pursuits in a protected and accessible environment. It's a testament to Colorado's diverse public lands, providing specialized opportunities for those who know how to respectfully utilize them.

Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area

8310 Co Rd 480, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA